Laetare Sunday

Posted by The Rev. Stewart Lucas on March 15, 2023

Laetare Sunday is always the fourth Sunday of Lent. The term is derived from the opening words of the Roman Catholic Latin Mass, “Rejoice (Laetare) Jerusalem” (Is 66:10). The church is called to the joyful anticipation of the victory to be won. This joyful theme provides lightening from the penitential emphasis of Lent. Some churches even use rose-colored hangings which express the change of tone in the Lenten observance. Laetare Sunday therefore may be called “Rose Sunday.”

We will rejoice this Sunday morning as we welcome new members into our community. Please join us for breakfast at 9:00 AM in Inglett Hall hosted by the Community of Hope members and those who serve on the Welcome Team. We are especially giving thanks for those of you who have started worshiping here at Holy Innocents since the pandemic. Our rector and members of our leadership will be there to share more about the life of our congregation and how you can get more involved in worship, service, and giving.

Worship will have a more joyful tenor, as well as the Atlanta Concert Ringers, bring their handbell music to our 10:15 am service. After the sermon, we will have a Liturgy of Belonging that we hope you will be a part of if you are new to Holy Innocents. Here are a few other reminders as we make our way through Holy Week and a joyful celebration of Easter. Please share these events with friends and invite them to join us.

  • Our Lenten Series with Temple Sinai continues tonight here at Holy Innocents. We have room for you, so just arrive at 6:30 PM to mingle. Bill and Rabbi Segal lead us through the book of Job beginning at 7:00 pm.
  • The latest Good News Newsletter in your mailboxes. We have also posted it online here.
  • The Seder Dinner Reservation deadline is Friday, March 17. Sign up here for the March 29 dinner.
  • Associate Rector Ruth Pattison is leading a Spiritual Upcycling Lenten Retreat this Saturday. More information here.
  • We are partnering with Solidarity Sandy Springs to provide 500 Easter Bags for local kids. You can see the list of items here or buy them on Amazon here.
  • The Maundy Thursday Vigil of the Blessed Sacrament signup is available here.
  • Please make donations here for Easter Flowers and Music in memory or in honor of those you love. We’re delighted to have brass back this year for our Easter Vigil and Easter Day services.
  • Vacation Bible School is June 5-9. Find out more here.

We are so grateful that you are a part of this faith community. I’m looking forward to walking the Way of the Cross with you this year.

Faithfully yours,
   The Rev. Stewart T. Lucas

About the Author

The Rev. Stewart Lucas

The Rev. T. Stewart Lucas, a cradle Episcopalian, was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. With a family deeply rooted in the love of gardening, he pursued a degree in Horticulture from the University of Georgia. During his time there, he became actively involved with the Episcopal College Chaplaincy and discerned a call to ordination. Stewart went on to attend Virginia Theological Seminary, graduating in 2001. Just two days after graduation, he married his husband, Doug, and the couple moved to Maryland.

Stewart began his ministry as an assistant at churches in Baltimore and Annapolis. He later returned to Baltimore to serve as the rector of The Church of the Nativity, Cedarcroft. During his tenure, the neighboring Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter sold their building and joined the Episcopal congregation, forming a unique 'Lutherpalian' church family. Under Stewart's leadership, the combined congregations navigated grief, compromise, creativity, and growth, eventually expanding their campus by acquiring two additional buildings.

In the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, Stewart served in various leadership roles, including President of the Standing Committee, member of the Bishop Search Committee, and Deputy to General Convention. He continues to contribute to the broader church as a member of the national Lutheran Episcopal Coordinating Committee and the Commission on LGBTQ+ Ministry for the Diocese of Atlanta.

In August 2022, Stewart was called to be the Vicar of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, where he coordinates worship planning, communications, parish life, and other duties as assigned. Stewart and his husband Doug, an accountant, reside in Sandy Springs with their Basset Hound, Esther.

Contact | slucas@holyinnocents.org

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